The World Athletics Relays 2026 is set to kick off in Gaborone, Botswana, marking a historic first as the event is held on African soil. The competition, which runs until May 3, will see a 21-member Indian team vying for top honors and aiming to secure qualification for future global championships.
India’s contingent is participating in five out of the six scheduled relay events, excluding the women’s 4x400m. The events include the men’s, women’s, and mixed 4x100m and 4x400m relays. Top performers in these relays will not only vie for medals but also aim to secure qualification for the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships set for Budapest and the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing.
With 723 athletes representing 40 federations, the competition is fierce. Each country is allowed one team per event, with up to eight athletes per team. This year, India’s team includes notable Olympians like Amoj Jacob, Rajesh Ramesh, and Srabani Nanda, alongside national record holder Animesh Kujur.
Gaborone’s National Stadium will be the stage where athletes from around the world, including Olympic champions, compete. Among the crowd favorites are Botswana’s own Letsile Tebogo and renowned sprinters Andre De Grasse and Shericka Jackson.
Indian fans can catch all the action live through the World Athletics + platform and website. The schedule includes various heats and finals, with mixed and men’s relays kicking off the proceedings.
